Conservative 2nd District GOP primary winner Bruce Poliquin framed opponent Kevin Raye as a ``liberal'' who would be willing to compromise GOP values, like lower taxes.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Conservative firebrand Bruce Poliquin's victory in the GOP primary in Maine's 2nd District comes as the traditional moderate Republicans who once controlled the party in New England struggle for viability.

Poliquin framed opponent Kevin Raye as a ``liberal'' who would be willing to compromise GOP values, like lower taxes. Raye, former chief of staff to centrist Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe, ran on his willingness to work across the aisle.

Republicans in this corner of the country, known for being fiscally conservative and more socially moderate, have become overrun in the region in recent years as the party nationally has shifted further to the right.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte are the only two Republicans in the 33-member New England congressional delegation.